KnownCarProblems2016 Ford Transit Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Transit, most often about the transmission (39% of complaints, typically around 104,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Transit model year since 2000 and has 21 recalls.
Most common 2016 Ford Transit problems
Transmission
60 complaints · 39%Half of these problems showed up before 104,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly.
Drive train rubber coupling failure 104000 miles. Prior installation of coupling at 70,000 miles. This occurrence damaged drive shaft and coupling at rear of transmission.
The contact's son-in-law owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while her son-in-law was driving at highway speeds, an abnormal, popping sound began to emit from the vehicle. The contact also stated that white steam began to emit from the engine as her son-in-law pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an…
Engine
24 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 43,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The van stalled while driving and lost power while crossing an intersection at approx 25mph. The electronic panel displayed and error message stating, "engine fault service now". When restarted the van started shaking when pressing the excelerator. Van was turned off and restarted without any issues
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as an engine stall due to the fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The…
Other or unspecified
23 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 22,000 miles.
Hydraulic jack ram broke and collapsed due to nut being left loose at manufacturing. Vehicle was stationary. Replacement jack has same issue of loose nut
The overall noise level while driving is way above normal. Humming sound while driving at 40 to 50 MPH plus. The **decibel** level is high. Noise coming through all the doors and door seals, the floor, etc., noise from the tires. I measured the decibel levels on the local expressway doing 65 to 70 MPH. The decibel…
Fuel system
14 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles.
I have a 2016 Transit 350 with the 3.2l diesel emgine and I have problems with metallic debris in my fuel looking on line foed has a recall (16s32) that covers build dates july11/2015-april14/2016 and my Transit was build end of may 2016 and Transit is having the same problems, I think the recall should be extened to…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. While driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to cooper Ford (located at 5292 US 15 501 hwy, carthage, nc 28327, ([phone]) where it was diagnosed that the high and low pressure fuel…
Body and structure
13 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Passenger side sliding door opens while driving down highway, latch system not adequate for size of door. Has opened several times when passenger leans against door on highway, or when small bumps on the road or driven over. Door is difficult to close and open. No amount of adjustment can remedy problem.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. While driving 60 MPH, insulation spewed through the air vents into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact was covered with insulation, which caused skin irritation. Since then, the contact experienced respiratory issues. Medical attention was not received. The vehicle was towed to…
Electrical
12 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: ignition, instrument panel.
Ford Transit is designed to allow the ignition key to be turned off while it's in any gear including while it's in drive on the highway. Turning this key while on the highway will cause the power steering to go out causing a dangerous situation for the driver. My van has turned itself off while I was driving on the…
Right side brake lights and directional are not working. They don't work at all in any situation. Could be the BCM module. This might be the recall number 17s34
Seat belts
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
When I collided with a Ford truck all my air bags deployed as they should, I could not move without intense pain in my lower back so I sat in place until removed by ems. After partial recovery I examined the vehicle and saw that the seat belt anchor bolt over my shoulder had bulled out of the pillar behind my seat…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure…
Brakes
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, but no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from an unknown location prompting her to attempt to slow the vehicle after which she became aware that the brake was not functioning properly. The contact stated that with the brake pedal…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Ford Transit recalls
Backup camera: camera
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning january 2026 and june 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25v270. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning september 8, 2025.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 lincoln mkc, mustang, f-350 sd, f-250 sd, f-450 sd, 2015-2017 lincoln navigator, expedition, 2015-2018 edge, transit connect, 2016-2019 f-550 sd, transit, 2017-2019 econoline, and 2019 ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Brakes: linkage and cable
Risk: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on september 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on march 14, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s39.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling every 40,000 miles until the final remedy is available. The final remedy will consist of installation of a driveshaft front section equipped with a mechanical u-joint in place of the flexible coupling. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on april 1, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s38. Note: this recall supersedes recall number 17v-408.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 transit vehicles. This recall includes all full-size transit vehicles previously recalled under 17v-408 except ones that received mechanical universal joint (u-joint) as a remedy and any 156" or 178" wheelbase chassis cab and cut-away bodies models. The flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: New england has notified owners, directing them to contact freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began may 27, 2019. Owners may contact freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or new england at 1-800-886-9247.
Full defect summary
New england wheels (new england) is recalling certain 2014-2018 ford transit and 2014-2019 ram promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with freedman go-es foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Fenton mobility will notify owners, and a fenton mobility technician will repair the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in june 2019. Owners may contact fenton mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014.
Full defect summary
Fenton mobility products, inc. (fenton mobility) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford transit vehicles modified to be equipped with freedman go-es foldaway seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Mobilitytrans will notify owners and freedman seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began may 19, 2019. Owners may contact mobility transportation services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.
Full defect summary
Mobility transportation services (mobilitytrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 ford transit and ram promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 ford econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with freedman go-es foldaway seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Mobility specialists, working with ricon, has notified the owners. Ricon will provide instructions and materials for replacing defective parts. Owners may contact ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
Full defect summary
Mobility specialists, inc. (mobility specialists) is recalling certain 2014-2017 ford e-150 and transit vans modified to be equipped with ricon s-series and k-series wheel chair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Royale will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the seat. The recall began june 6, 2019. Owners may contact royale customer service at 1-800-544-5587.
Full defect summary
Cabot coach builders, inc. Dba royale limousine (royale) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford transit-based mini-coaches equipped with freedman go-es foldaway seats recalled under 18e-076. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began march 25, 2019. Owners may contact freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.
Full defect summary
Vantage mobility international, llc (vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford transit van, mercedes-benz sprinter, and 2007 ford f-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with freedman go-3s foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Transitworks has notified owners and instructed them to contact freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began december 19, 2019. Owners may contact freedman seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or transitworks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.
Full defect summary
Transitworks is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford transit, 2018 ford transit connect, and 2016 dodge ram promaster vehicles modified to be equipped with freedman seating go-es seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Quality van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began march 21, 2019. Owners may contact quality van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.
Full defect summary
Quality van sales, inc. (quality van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford transit and e-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with freedman go-es foldaway seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 207, "seating systems."
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Fenton will notify owners, and a service technician will install ricon recall parts kit ri61396, free of charge. The recall began april 24, 2019. Owners may contact fenton mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014. Fenton's number for this recall is ri61396.
Full defect summary
Fenton mobility products, inc. (fenton) is recalling certain 2015-2017 ford transit passenger vans modified to be equipped with ricon s & k titanium wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 403, "platform lift systems."
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Prime-time specialty vehicles has notified owners, and freedman dealers have inspected and repaired the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began november 16, 2018. Owners may contact freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or prime-time specialty vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.
Full defect summary
Prime-time specialty vehicles (prime-time) is recalling certain 2016-2018 ram promaster and ford transit vehicles modified to be equipped with freedman go-es foldaway seats. When the seat back cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.
Fix: Xl will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began april 15, 2019. Owners may contact xl hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
Full defect summary
Xl hybrids, inc (xl) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford transit vehicles modified to be equipped with xl's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: National van will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began november 26, 2018. Owners may contact national van customer service at 1-508-222-2272.
Full defect summary
National van builders, inc. (national van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford transit vehicles equipped with freedman go-es foldaway seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 207, "seating systems."
Electrical: wiring
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Note: this is an expansion of recall 17v-668 (ford recall 17s34). Ford's number for this recall expansion is 17s34-s1.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 ford transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. The recall began on february 9, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s34.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 ford transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling on any vehicle with more than 30,000 miles. A final remedy repair of a redesigned flexible coupling or a revised driveshaft equipped with a universal joint is being developed and is expected in early 2018. These repairs will be made free of charge. Interim notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed july 21, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s15.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling all 2015-2017 transit vehicles except 156" and 178" wheelbase chassis cab and cut-away bodies. In the affected vehicles, the flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
Fuel system: fuel system, diesel
Risk: If debris clogs the fuel system, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel injection pump and associated parts and, if necessary, will replace the fuel filter and flush the fuel system, free of charge. The recall began on october 14, 2016. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s32.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 transit vehicles manufactured july 15, 2015, to april 14, 2016 and equipped with a 3.2l diesel engine. A fuel injector or the fuel volume control valve may clog due to metallic debris within the fuel system.
Air bags: side/window
Risk: A side curtain air bag that does not deploy as intended may increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-orient the side curtain air bag assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on may 18, 2016. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s13.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 transit vehicles manufactured march 12, 2014, to march 18, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the side curtain air bag may not deploy with the proper trajectory due to being folded and packaged incorrectly.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Risk: An unlatched seat belt increases the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify or replace the seat belt buckles, depending on their location in the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began may 18, 2016. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s06.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 transit vehicles manufactured february 13, 2014, to january 13, 2016 and equipped with rear passenger seats. The rear seat belt buckles may be damaged if a heavy object is placed on, or impacts, the top of the buckle. The damage may prevent the buckle from latching or from remaining latched.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Zipcar rental concerns
Summary
Nhtsa opened this audit query to determine whether zipcar, inc. (zipcar) complied with the requirements of the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act (safety act). The safety act requires, among other things, that a rental car company not rent, lease, or sell a recalled vehicle until the safety defect or noncompliance is remedied. 49 u.s.c. ⧠30120(I). Based on nhtsaâs inquiry, including information provided by zipcar, NHTSA asserted that, during 2017 and 2018, zipcar rented certain unremedied recalled vehicles in violation of the safety act. In october 2023, NHTSA and zipcar entered into a consent order in which zipcar agreed to pay a total civil penalty of $300,000. The total civ
Questions about the 2016 Ford Transit
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Transit?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (60 complaints, typically around 104,500 miles); engine (24 complaints, typically around 43,500 miles); other or unspecified (23 complaints, typically around 22,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Transit have?
- 21 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 3, 2025 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Ford Transit?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Transit model year since 2000, with 156 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.